Dental Crowns in Spring, Tomball and The Woodlands, TX

Dr. Welty aims to save her patients’ natural teeth whenever possible. Whenever a tooth is severely damaged or decayed, a dental crown may be needed to cover and protect it after treatment. A crown can restore the tooth’s appearance and function and prevent future damage or decay, preserving your oral health and smile.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are caps or covers placed over a tooth to cover the visible portion of the tooth completely. They fit snugly over the tooth down to the gumline and are cemented into place, covering the top and all sides. Dental crowns protect teeth against future damage, restore their appearance, and save the natural teeth from extraction.

Types of Dental Crowns

Several types of crowns are available, depending on your aesthetic preferences, budget, the durability you are seeking, and the location of the tooth. Some crowns are more appropriate than others for molars or front teeth.

• Metal crowns are extremely durable but not aesthetically pleasing. They are usually reserved for molars because they cannot be seen.
• Porcelain crowns are extremely attractive, mimicking the look and feel of tooth enamel. They are an excellent choice for restoring front teeth, but they may fracture under extreme pressure and are not as durable as metal.
• Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) crowns combine the durability of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain, but the metal may show near the gumline.
• Ceramic crowns have the beauty, shading, and translucency of natural teeth with greater strength than ceramic. The zirconia versions are even stronger and last longer than other types of dental crowns.
• Resin crowns are an economical choice, but they do not last as long as other types and may need replacing after a few years. They are often a temporary solution.

CEREC Crowns: Beautiful, Same-Day Crowns

Dr. Welty offers the latest advancement in dental crowns, CEREC, in Spring, Tomball, The Woodlands and surrounding areas. Unlike traditional crowns that require multiple appointments, CEREC crowns are designed and fabricated by Dr. Welty on the day of your appointment. In just a few hours, you will have an incredibly life-like, durable crown crafted out of ceramic without having to tolerate the mess and discomfort of a dental impression. CEREC crowns offer several advantages over more traditional crowns, including:

• You can get your crown placed the same day without waiting while an outside lab makes it, saving you time and inconvenience.
• You do not have to tolerate a poorly fitting temporary crown.
• They are designed using precise digital impressions, so you won’t have to tolerate messy putty that produces an inaccurate impression.
• CEREC porcelain crowns can last for ten years or more with proper care.
• CEREC crowns can be crafted to blend with your natural teeth flawlessly.

How the Dental Crown Procedure Works

For CEREC crowns, digital photography and computer imagery are used to obtain a precise, 3D image of the tooth to guide the milling machine. The damaged tooth is then shaped and filed to accept the new crown. This is done to make sufficient room between the damaged tooth and the adjacent healthy teeth for the sides of the crown to fit down over the tooth.

We manufacture the CEREC crown in our office while you wait. Most patients receiving CEREC crowns leave our office with their permanent crown within two hours of their appointment.

The crown will protect your tooth and restore your ability to eat, drink, and speak without worrying about further damage.

Caring for Your Dental Crowns

Although dental crowns are durable and made to withstand the pressure of chewing and grinding food, there are a few precautions you should take so they last longer and protect your teeth as much as possible. Keep these suggestions in mind:

• Avoid eating sticky treats such as caramel and toffee that can stick to crowns.
• Do not crunch ice or chew on hard objects that could crack the crown.
• Practice good oral hygiene, being sure to brush and floss twice daily.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash to wash away germs around the base of the crown that could lead to gum disease.
• Wear a mouthguard or protective headgear when playing sports or participating in activities that could lead to a blow to the face.
• If you grind your teeth, ask us about getting a night guard to prevent grinding your teeth while asleep.

FAQs About Dental Crowns

How long do dental crowns last?

CEREC crowns are extremely durable and, with proper care, can last 10 years or more, providing a long-lasting solution and peace of mind. Metal, particularly gold, crowns can last 20 years or more but are usually only used for the molars due to their appearance. Resin crowns may last 5-7 years.

Are dental crowns painful?

Not at all. We numb the area around the tooth before placing the crown. Once it is in place, your pain from a damaged or cracked tooth is gone.

Will my dental insurance pay for a crown?

If the crown is medically necessary, your insurance should pay part of the cost. For instance, if the crown repairs a damaged or decayed tooth or covers a painful, cracked tooth. However, most insurance policies will not pay for a cosmetic crown that you want for purely aesthetic reasons.

What does a dental crown look like?

A dental crown is a hollow cap shaped like your natural tooth and closely matches its natural color. When positioned over the tooth and cemented into place, it is indistinguishable from the natural tooth. (Unless it is made of metal, in which case it is shaped like the tooth but retains its metallic color).

If you live in Spring, Tomball, or The Woodlands, TX, have a toothache or damaged tooth, and need a dental crown, please call our office at Spring Office Phone NumberSpring Office Phone Number (832) 717-0595 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Welty. Your beautiful new crown could be just a day away!